Laser eye surgery is a medical procedure consisting of the use of laser for reshaping the surface of the cornea. It is used to improve myopia (shortsightedness), hypermetropia (long sightedness) or astigmatism. The first information on laser eye surgery dates back from over twenty years ago.
During laser eye surgery, an excimer controlled by a computer is used to remove tiny amounts of corneal tissue. The aim of the procedure is to restore normal vision, relieving the patient from wearing glasses or contacts.
In one type of laser eye surgery, the outer layer of the cornea, also called epithelium, is removed and an excimer laser is used to reshape underneath tissue. This procedure is called photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).
In a newer procedure, a microkeratome is used to cut a flap in the corneal tissue, which is then lifted and an excimer laser is used to reshape underlying tissue. In the end, the flap is put back to its place. This type of laser eye surgery is called laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). Nowadays, it is more commonly used than PRK.
Information on Laser Eye Surgery Procedure
The excimer laser is a special type of laser that does not burn the corneal tissue, but vaporizes a small quantity of the cornea each time a beam is pulsed onto the eye surface. The number of pulses and diameter of the beam are carefully controlled by a computer to enhance accuracy.
Local anesthetic eye drops are used before the surgery. The procedure takes a few minutes per eye. The actual time when the laser is used for reshaping the corneal tissue is generally less than a minute.
Various eye conditions require different types of treatment: l Myopia - the central peak of the cornea has to be flattened in order to reduce short-sightedness and improve vision. l Hypermetropia - the central peak of the cornea has to be made steeper in order to improve vision. The laser is applied to the edges of the cornea. l Astigmatism - this is a condition where the cornea is not evenly curved. The laser is applied more linear to improve vision.
Information on Laser Eye Surgery - Post Surgery
After laser eye surgery, you should expect some minor discomfort. However, you should be able to see, although not very clearly. You won't be able to drive on your own, so you need to have someone drive you home or take a cab.
Information on Laser Eye Surgery Possible Side Effects
Just like any operation, laser eye surgery involves a few risks as well. You should have some information on laser eye surgery and its possible complications and side effects before deciding you want to have this type of surgery. l Treatment not successful - this may be the result of either under treatment and over treatment. You may need another surgery to enhance vision. l Dry eyes - you might have to use eye drops. l Delayed healing - the flap or the outer layer of the cornea might not heal properly and require follow-up treatment. l Infection - in case of an infection, you may need to follow an antibiotic treatment. l Superficial scarring - a second procedure might be needed to repair scarred tissue. l Excessive thinning of the cornea - vision problems may return and you might need to use contacts or have another surgery. l Sensitive eyes - some patients experience excessive sensitivity to glare, which makes driving more difficult. l Blurred vision - 'halos' might result from the surgical procedure, but usually they fade out over time.
Before deciding on a certain type of laser eye surgery, you should consult a doctor to examine your eye condition thoroughly, provide you with information on laser eye surgery risks and benefits and give you some advice on which procedure is best for your specific problems.
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
- Great Information On Laser Eye Surgery
- Important Information on Laser Eye Surgery
- Types Vision Problems Can Corrected By Laser Eye Surgery
- Laser Eye Surgery In India- Affordable Cost Laser - Laser Eye Surgery
- Types of Laser Eye Surgery
- Throw Away Those Glasses: Go For Laser Eye Surgery
- Lasik Laser Eye Surgery Side Effects
- Laser Eye Surgery Side Effects




How Come Some People Has Asthma
By: Reed Carney | 16/11/2009Asthma is an inflammatory condition where your bronchiales constrict causing breathing difficulties. Your bronchioles become inflamed for a variety of physical, emotional and environmental reasons. It is not contagious so, you cannot catch it from another person.
Pain Medications That Cause Headaches
By: Reed Carney | 16/11/2009Getting a headache has become all-too-natural for people who live hectic, hurried lives in the city. It is no wonder that every urbanite's cupboard or medicine cabinet is often stocked with pain relief medications. When the headache comes back, we simply repeat the practice. While it seems harmless to take
Chinese Herbs: A Different Approach to Hair Loss Treatment
By: Mark Hall | 16/11/2009There is no doubt about no one wants to lose their hair. If you have invested any amount of time into finding remedies for hair loss you probably heard about Chinese herbs. There was a Television program in the UK that suggested that these herbs could cure alopecia. While I'd...
Bodybuilding New Ideas For Gyms
By: Reed Carney | 16/11/2009Try Some Rubbers To Make You A Man Of Steel.
Things That You Prefer To Eat
By: Reed Carney | 16/11/2009We've entered the Twilight Zone when it comes to the multitude of diets being promoted today. Starting with the Atkins Diet, then the South Beach Diet, now the Hamptons Diet and more. All higher in protein, lower in carbs, but the dissimilarity should be quality of carbs, not singling out one nutrient entirely.
How To Lose Weight Fast With Today's Technology
By: Reed Carney | 16/11/2009Various changes in technology, society, and even the economy have largely affected the lifestyle of a lot of people. Everything seems to move in a hurry, nowadays, and breaks from work seem to last only for not more than 5 minutes each. Gone are the days when quality time was still spent to cook healthy food.
Basic Facts About Eczema You Need To Know?
By: Seomul Evans | 16/11/2009Eczema is a type of dermatitis or inflammation of the skin. It is also not one but a series of skin diseases. It is manifested mainly by dry, red, scaly, itchy skin or a rash that is red and raw and oozing and blistering. What causes eczema? Science does not yet have...
Ways to Cure A Sports Injury
By: Reed Carney | 16/11/2009Athletes and fitness buffs have one thing in common. These individuals are prone to injuries that could hamper their health and fitness goals. Sports injuries are, to a certain degree, hard to prevent especially if an athlete is engaged in a tough contact sport like basketball, football, or martial arts.
How To Get Quit Smoking Support
By: Jeff Flow | 26/05/2006 | Quit SmokingDo want to quit smoking? You have to have quit smoking support. Read this article to learn more.
Best Known Ways to Quit Smoking
By: Jeff Flow | 25/05/2006 | Quit SmokingDo you want to quit smoking? Check out the best known ways to quit smoking here.
Efficient Quit Smoking Hypnosis
By: Jeff Flow | 25/05/2006 | Quit SmokingDo you want to quit smoking? Then you need to try quit smoking hypnosis. This may work for you.
Great Information On Laser Eye Surgery
By: Jeff Flow | 22/05/2006 | HealthThis article will give you great information on laser eye surgery. Laser eye surgery is a medical procedure consisting of the use of laser for reshaping the surface of the cornea.
Using Acupuncture To Quit Smoking
By: Jeff Flow | 22/05/2006 | Quit SmokingLearn about a personal story about someone that used acupuncture to quit smoking.
How To Generate Blogging Profits With A Long Term Plan
By: Jeff Flow | 07/05/2006 | Home BusinessThis article will encourage you in your blogging and give you some solid strategies of how to generate massive profits from your blog.
How To Make Your Blog Stand Out From The Rest
By: Jeff Flow | 07/05/2006 | Online PromotionThere are thousands of new blogs made everyday. Learn tips and tricks to separate your blog from the crowd. Read on.